The #MeToo movement has finally come to opera. Plácido Domingo has been accused of sexual misconduct. The man described as the one of the greatest opera singers of all time was pressuring women into relationships and punishing them for refusing his advances. The accusers say they believed their careers would suffer if they didn't comply with his demands.
So far, eight singers and a dancer have come forward with stories of being sexually harassed by Plácido – some from as far back as the 1980s – at venues that included opera companies where he held top managerial positions. In addition, almost three dozen other singers, dancers, orchestra musicians, members of backstage staff, voice teachers, and an administrator claimed they witnessed inappropriate behavior. They said the singer went after younger women "like it was an occupation."
Plácido’s influence is so great that only one woman –Patricia Wulf, a mezzo-soprano who sang with him at the Washington Opera – would actually go on record with her accusations. Many of the others who spoke out did so reluctantly because they were not only afraid of retribution but also inflicting collateral damage on the industry. For his part, 78-year-old Domingo is denying everything.
- As for the reaction from the industry, it's been swift. A number of concerts have already been cancelled and the Philadelphia Orchestra has rescinded an invitation for him to perform.
Source:CBS News